[BENTON1704]

hi, can anyone help me , i am having problems when i boil my charlotte potatoes, they always break up and go to mush, tried scraping and leaving skins on but no difference, i stand over them and as soon as they are cooked they break up! Help please!!

[Swing Swang]

Steam them rather than boil.
Grow a different variety next year (Sarpo varieties do this too).

SS

[violet61]

I steamed mine & they were just ok, my fault, got distracted! previous to that I roasted them with a little butter...gorgeous I ll be growing them nxt year, tasted lovely!

[DD.]

Grow a different variety next year

You can't do that! 

[Penny Finn]

I put the same question earlier in the year.  I had the same problem with last year's crop yet the ones I buy in the supermarket stay whole!  The outside skins of mine flaked off completely - is that what happens to yours?
Someone advised me that I hadn't watered enough so this year I have been more careful.  So far the new crop have been much better, though not perfect by any stretch of the imagination.  I have also tried cooking them in a little (eggcup) water in the microwave for about 4 minutes and that seems to keep them whole too, most of the time.  I am reluctant to give up growing Charlotte as they are so lovely!  Good luck anyway
Gardening Granny

[Nikkithefoot]

How long are you cooking them for? Should only take 5 ish mins if small or cut small (about the size of a golf ball). As soon as they start breaking up you have overcooked them. Test using a sharp knife or skewer. They should feel firm but the point should easily pierce the potato when cooked. They are a firm waxy potato.

[BENTON1704]

yes the outside of the potatoe totally breaks up, i have had no means to water my allotment though i think they really needed some earlier in season (doesnt need it now though), i am boiling until a sharp knife will go through the potatoe and as soon as this happens they break up, i think i might try the steaming method, thanks for all replies.

 

[tode]

We found that when theyre young they tend to go mushy when boiled, but steamed v. good.
When theyre more mature, no problem.

[mumofstig]

I just have to add that i've not had this problem with mine, was quite surprised by it :blink:

[Kristen]

I just have to add that i've not had this problem with mine, was quite surprised by it :blink:

me too, but my Charlottes were in tubs, so that might have made a difference.

[JayG]

My experience of Charlottes is that when small they stay intact even if you seriously overcook them.

However, when more than about a large hen's egg size they tend to break up on the outside even when boiled gently.

I find microwaving very successful and quicker than steaming; place spuds in a single layer in a covered microwaveable container, no water, with or without a sprig of mint, and microwave for between 2 and 4 minutes depending on how many you are cooking. Allow to rest, if they are still a bit firm just give them another minute or so. Easy!

[bluealf]

Yes the bigger oval charlottes burst on boiling for me also, i just took them off the heat 5/7mins before i thought they should be ready and left them in the pan with lid on and they have been fine since.

I will be having these next year.

[Yorkie]

Totally agree about steaming.  It is also said that they break up less if you cook them a couple of days after harvest, rather than immediately

[kermit]

Boil or steam until the knife only begins to go in.  You will think they're still pretty raw, but drain them then put them straight back into same hot pan and cover with lid for about 5 mins - will continue to cook through until perfect.  I tried this after about 3 failed efforts to stop them breaking up!

I've got a stupid question though - when people talk about salad potatoes, what do they mean?  Surely all potatoes require some cooking?!  

[mumofstig]

For a salad you need a waxy potato, that doesn't fall apart even though it is cooked. Then you can stir your mayo or garlicky oil/vinegar dressing in without it all turning into a soggy mess........soooooo annoying when that happens. cold oily mash instead of gorgeous  potato salad